I'm known for my penchant for the unusual and hot topics I findinteresting. I've written on dead bodies, skunks, bedbugs, and break-ups,so it was no surprise to my co-workers when I became fascinatedwith the issue of medical marijuana.

Currently, 15 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuanafor medical use, and in those states such business appears to bebooming. But like any business, there are insurance issues.

I was fortunate enough to have a delightful conversation withMike Aberle of Statewide Insurance Services MMD Insurance Group, atrue leader in the field of insurance coverage for medicalmarijuana. Mike knows the field top to bottom, and stated that theyare using standard forms and modifying coverage with endorsementsand exclusions, and that good underwriting is critical to providingcoverage.

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Theft is obviously one of the biggest issues for growers,dispensers, and users alike. Good losscontrol is necessary before coverage can even be considered.Cameras, alarms, lights, and safes are essential, as well asfrequent trips to the bank so that not too much cash is onpremises. Underwriting guidelines are going to require such losscontrol measures before a grower or dispenser will be grantedcoverage.

There's not enough room in a blog to go into all the coverageissues. However, we will have an article in FC&Sshortly that goes further in depth. Suffice it to say that this isa “growing” industry, and insurance will grow right along with itto provide coverage for the unique exposures it entails.

This blog post is meant to provide insights into insurancecoverage issues in general, and does not necessarily account forthe differences in law and practice in different venues. As such,the opinions expressed within should not be construed as legaladvice for the unique circumstances of any particular claim orsuit.